Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

July 2, 2014

Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Malam Lawal
Shehu said last Saturday that one suspect had been arrested in connection with Friday’s attack on an hotel in Bauchi metropolis.
Briefing newsmen on the arrest made, Lawal said that the suspect was being interrogated and efforts intensified to apprehend his accomplices that fled.
He urged members of the public to be security conscious and observe happenings within their immediate environment and advised the general public to pay special attention to persons and objects, particularly at motor parks, market places, schools, places of worships, shopping malls, eateries and hotels.
“They should report any suspicious persons or objects within their neighbourhood, to the nearest police station for prompt response, using these numbers – 08151849417 and 07013490795, he said.

FCT

The National President, Defence and Police Officers
Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Mary Badeh, has reaffirmed the commitment of the association to support barracks community.
Badeh made the pledge in Abuja on Saturday at a send-off party organised for Mrs Aminat Ibrahim, the former president of the association and four coordinators who served during her tenure.
“Let me use this medium to reaffirm the commitment of DEPOWA to continue to provide the necessary support and encouragement to the families of our members and the barrack community.
“I will not fail to acknowledge the support of the former Chief of Defence Staff and his successor to the aspirations of DEPOWA,’’ she said.
She added that the association also honoured Ibrahim for her kindness within and outside the barracks community, and
Some of the achievements of the former president to include the successful hosting of DEPOWA Week and the rehabilitation and restructuring of its secretariat building.
She also commended Ibrahim for the purchase.

Kaduna

The Kaduna State government spends N110 million
monthly on refuse disposal, the Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Kasimu Abubakar, has said.
Abubakar who made the disclosure last Saturday while addressing newsmen in Hayin Banki community in Kaduna when he visited the area to inspect the monthly sanitation exercise said the government engaged the services of 91 refuse disposal companies to dispose refuse across the state.
He said the companies employed 2,700 sanitation workers to dispose refuse adding that the government was consulting with private organisations and individuals to set up recycling plants in the state that would use the refuse to produce fertiliser.
The commissioner urged the people of the community to observe the monthly sanitation exercise by staying at home and cleaning their environment.

Kano

The Kano State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation
realised N352,200 from fines imposed by mobile courts on 144 defaulters of the June edition of the monthly clean-up exercise in the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Chairman of the task force, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, announced this on Saturday in Kano while monitoring the conduct of the exercise in the metropolis that the defaulters were apprehended and tried for non-compliance and violation of the order on restriction on movement of people during the exercise.
Abbas told newsmen that the courts operated at 10 designated centres in the metropolis, adding that government would soon inaugurate the task force in each local government area to ensure proper compliance.

Kogi

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yomi Awoniyi,
has urged Mostems to pray for an end to the security challenge in the country during Ramadan period.
In a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Mr Michael Abu in Lokoja last Saturday. Awoniyi enjoined Muslims to use the holy month to maximise the spiritual and physical benefits inherent in it.
He identified good intention, prayers and firmness of purpose in the pursuit of good deeds as conditions for reaping the benefits of the holy month.
Awoniyi said Ramadan was one of the five pillars of Islam and urged Muslims to be proactive in their decisions and actions that would ensure their participation in the fasting.
He called on preachers to guard their utterances during the fasting period, urging them to preach the true teachings of Islam rather than engage in mutual accusation.

Kwara

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has
urged Mostems to use the Ramadan as a period of reflection and pray for peace to reign in Nigeria.
A statement signed by Mr Kunle Oyatomi, the party’s Director of Publicity, Strategy and Research last Saturday in Osogbo.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Dr Bukola Saraki, also urged Muslims to use the opportunity of Ramadan to pray for the restoration of peace in the country.
“I give thanks to Almighty Allah for keeping us alive and healthy to witness and partake in another Month of Ramadan; the month of forgiveness, mercy and abundant blessings. “I urge the Muslim to use the opportunity of this month’s divinity to get closer to Almighty Allah and wish them a successful Month of Holiness’’, he said.

Osun

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Najeem
Salaam has urged Muslim faithful to use the Ramadan period to offer special prayers for the country’s peace and unity.
Salaam made the appeal in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Goke Butika, Sunday in Osogbo.
According to the statement, the holy month of Ramadan is a period dedicated to seek the face of Allah and urged Muslims to use the occasion to pray for peace and tranquility in the country.
Salaam said with fervent prayers, he believed that the current security challenges threatening the country would be surmounted.
The speaker, however, appealed to clerics to lay emphasis on peace and harmony among Nigerians in their teachings.
Oyo

Former Governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala has
urged Mostems in the country to use the Ramadan fasting period to pray for the nation’s development.
Alao-Akala, who made the call in Ogbomoso last Saturday, urged Muslims to be steadfast in prayers.
He said Ramadan was a symbolic month meant to move closer to God and called on the Muslims to pray very hard for the nation and that the progress recorded so far was a pointer that the nation would soon attain the enviable position it desired. .
The former governor, who wished Muslims smooth and successful fasting for the next 30 days, urged them to emulate the life and ways of the holy Prophet Muhammed.

Sokoto

The Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) in Sokoto State
said last Sunday that it would wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC) in the state in 2015.
The newly-elected Chairman of the party, Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma, told newsmen in Sokoto that the party is intact and united. There will be no retreat or surrender until we take over the government in 2015.”
According to him, the leadership of the party in the state will ensure that the choice of candidates for the various elections is respected.
“The choice of the people will prevail. There will be no imposition of candidates and we will do everything humanly possible to ensure free, fair and acceptable polls,” Milgoma said.
Milgoma said that PDP was blessed with members who were experienced enough in electioneering campaigns.
“This experience will come to bear during the upcoming elections and the party will emerge victorious at all levels.”

Taraba

The police in Jalingo confirmed that unknown gunmen
last Saturday trailed and killed 13 Fulani herdsmen who were returning from village markets in Garba-Chede and Maihula.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the police command in Taraba State ASP Joseph Kwaji, made the disclosure on Sunday in Jalingo.
He said the herdsmen were waylaid and killed by unidentified group of armed youths along a bush path in the outskirts of Maihula in Bali Local Government Area of the state.
He added that it was not clear why the incident took place but further investigation would be able to reveal the reasons for the attack and the people behind it.
The Chairman of Bali Local Government Area, Mr Andrew Yerima, said the herdsmen were trailed by the armed men from Garba-Chede market where they were believed to have gone to sell their cows.

Wife of the former Governor of Lagos State, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu (middle) with other apc chieftains after a meeting with her in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: NAN

Nation

THE LAPSES OF THE MEDIA IN ELECTIONS

Published

1 day ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

The media is supposed to be a platform through which people express their thoughts, beliefs, and opinions on issues of public interest. Unfortunately, it has often failed to live up to its role as the fourth estate of the realm.During the 2023 elections, the media recorded several lapses that deserve critical examination in academic and professional spaces. Before discussing these failures in detail, it is important to briefly explain the meaning, role, and duties of the media. In simple terms, the media refers to the main channels of mass communication, including broadcasting, print publishing, and the internet.

It is a collective term for all means through which information reaches the public. The media is often called the fourth tier of government because of the popular saying, “No media, no society.” This is not an exaggeration. Scholars have shown that the media plays an integral role in society, since political, economic, religious, and academic activities all depend on information flow through the media.

The word MEDIA can be broken down to reflect its core functions: M – Meeting the People E – Educating the People D – Discussing with the People I – Involving the People A – Accessing the PeopleSpecifically during elections, the media is expected to provide accurate and timely information to the public by reporting and updating citizens on government and electoral activities. This responsibility is central to keeping the electorate informed.The media also strengthens democracy by engaging citizens on critical issues affecting the electoral process. When the media effectively disseminates relevant information, the public can see through the failures of government, hold leaders accountable, and propose solutions that serve the common good.

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram play a vital role in democratic societies because they allow mass participation. Unlike radio and television, social media is accessible to anyone with a smartphone and data bundle, making it the most inclusive platform for political discourse. Despite these roles, the media must not abandon its ethics or promote partisan agendas that mislead the public. In many schools of thought, the media is described as closely related to the judiciary.

People often see the media as a place to voice grievances and seek justice.However, it is fair to say that the media has lost ground by failing to fulfill its duties during elections. Below are ten key lapses observed in the February 2023 elections.Lack of coordination among journalists. Many press personnel who covered different polling units were poorly equipped and unprepared. Some lacked functional cameras and modern technology needed to carry out professional reporting.

Partisanship and breach of ethics. Media personnel, who are supposed to remain non-partisan, openly violated professional ethics by taking political sides and favoring certain candidates in their reporting.Commercialization of coverage. Some journalists prioritized money over news. It was disappointing to see professionals from reputable stations engaging in what I call “Oga, find me something syndrome” begging politicians for money in exchange for favorable coverage or interviews.Loss of independence and self-censorship. On election day, some journalists took instructions from politicians on what to report and what to suppress. This compromised the independence of the media and reduced public trust.

Poor post-election reporting. Few media outlets reported what actually happened at the polling units. Incidents of violence, voter intimidation, and irregularities were either underreported or ignored entirely, while praise was lavished on politicians instead of amplifying the voices of the people.Spread of misinformation and unverified claims. In the rush to be first, some media houses published unverified results and rumors from social media without fact-checking. This fueled confusion and tension among the electorate.Inadequate coverage of rural and marginalized areas. Media attention was concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural polling units underreported. The experiences and challenges of rural voters were largely absent from mainstream coverage.

Sensationalism over substance. Some outlets prioritized sensational headlines and conflict-driven stories over factual analysis of policies and candidate manifestos, leaving voters uninformed about real issues. Failure to hold INEC accountable in real time. While INEC faced logistical failures and delays, many media houses were slow to question officials or demand explanations on air, missing opportunities for live accountability.

Neglect of voter education. Beyond reporting results, the media did little to educate voters on procedures, rights, and what to do in case of irregularities. This left many citizens uninformed and vulnerable on election day.These lapses weaken public trust and undermine the credibility of the electoral process. For the media to regain its role as a watchdog of democracy, it must return to the principles of accuracy, impartiality, and public service.

The media must be informed to follow its ethics as the 2027 elections approaches. This is encourage electorates rely on the authenticity and objectivity of media practice.Failure to uphold media standards will further make the country plunge into political apathy, electoral violence and disgust for those in the media practice.

By KRUKRUBO, NYE TAMUNODIKI.

Nation

RSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria

Published

2 weeks ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.

The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_

The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.

The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.

Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.

Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.

On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.

In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.

Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.

Amadi Akujobi

Nation

Shell, MAN Back Rivers’ Drive for Expanded Gas Supply to Industries

Published

2 weeks ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.

The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.

Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.

According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.

He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.

“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.

Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.

He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.

Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.

Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.

He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.

According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.

Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.

He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.

The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.

Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.

Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.

“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.

Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.

She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.

By Kevin Nengia